Italy, Papal States, Deruta / c. 1520–30
Bella Donna Charger
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bella Donna Charger as ceramic (Italy, Papal States, Deruta · c. 1520–30).
Scholars believe that chargers such as these were given as marriage gifts or in memory of someone who had died.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as tin-glazed earthenware with yellow and blue lustre (maiolica).
The museum's collection notes: Ceremonial plates decorated with a bella donna (beautiful woman) feature half-length portraits of a young woman surrounded by scrolled banners. Many bella donna plates were informed by the frescos of Renaissance painters Pietro Perugino and Pinturicchio.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBella Donna ChargerOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.